WORK has begun on a two-and-half-year long project to redevelop the former Pleasurama site in Ramsgate.

Arising from the empty space will be the Royal Sands development which will include a quality hotel, fitness centre, cafes, restaurants and apartments.

Work is underway on the first two of three phases of building. Developers SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd are putting in new roads for the block while Thanet Council will repair the cliff face and railings along the top.

When they have been finished, the third phase erecting the main building will go ahead.

Thanet Council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel led a group of dignitaries to symbolically swing a pickaxe to mark the start of work.

He said: "This has been a long time coming but to see work finally start on this site is excellent news. Royal Sands will bring a great deal to Ramsgate, a new hotel, along with leisure and dining opportunities right by the main beach.

"The new apartments forming part of the development will inject new spending into the town.

"Ramsgate has come a long way in the past few years but the key to sustained development is attracting people to live in the town and support the local economy and this development will do that."

Terence Painter, estate agent for developer Shaun Keegan, said: "I’m delighted work is beginning on this important project. It is set to be an impressive development in a stunning location."